ON THE CULTIVATION OF ORANGE AND LEMON TREES. 131 



sionally applying liquid manure over the soil. The shoots are 

 regularly thinned out, as is done to Peach trees in this country, 

 retaining only just sufficient to produce a due proportion of fruit in 

 every part of the tree. By proper attention to pruning, a number of 

 small branchlets are produced, and on which, in general, the fruit is 

 produced. The thinning of the shoots takes place first, when they 

 have pushed two or three inches long, and a second thinning when it 

 is rendered necessary from vigorous growth during summer. A third 

 attention is paid to thinning, shortening, and duly securing during, 

 what is termed, the season of rest. They thin the young green fruit 

 judiciously at an early stage, regulating the quantity by the state of 

 the tree, and never allow the fruit to remain long on the tree after it 

 is fully ripe, otherwise the tree sustains much injury, being weakened 

 thereby. Strong reeded covers half a foot thick are placed before 

 the wall trees, and the espaliers have covers of the same to protect 

 the trees in winter, air being admitted whenever practicable during 

 the day. The plants in the earth tubs are removed into sheds, 

 and similar places, during the same season. The covering, &c. is 

 wholly removed as soon as can be safely done. Manure over the 

 surface, &c. is then applied, and a spring regulation takes place. 



The shoots of those trees grown in tubs are regularly thinned, 

 shortened, &c. as is done to the wall and espalier ones. It is quite 

 astonishing to see the difference that is produced by the attention of 

 thinning and shortening the shoots, watering, &c, to what is the 

 result when plants are allowed to grow naturally. The contrast in 

 the fruit is most apparent ; against the walls and espaliers it is more 

 than treble the size. 



I am persuaded if in this country, in conservatories and green- 

 houses, the training and pruning of the trees were adopted, similar 

 beneficial results would follow, and much of the mortification and 

 complaining of disappointment, both as to bloom and noble sized 

 fruit, would be obviated. I am further of opinion, that a conser- 

 vatory or greenhouse ought to be what is understood by a warm one, 

 to be kept not lower than forty-five degrees during the coldest part of 

 winter, and from sixty-five to seventy, or even more, during summer. 



A friend of mine is trying the plun near Dublin, and I will forward 

 the particulars at the end of the season, if spared to do so. 



